Aleister was in his own world. The movement of society around him was lost in the focus he held on the energies that filled the air. The warlock still hadn't established the locations of local leylines so he took to the city daily, trying to find his energy source. Unfortunately, it seemed he was not as discrete as previously assumed.

A woman turned around, calling him another male's name. They stood for a moment in awkward silence. Blue hues studied the woman's reaction closely. It seemed she was not simply paranoid, but for good reason. She began to apologize meaning it was time to put on a show. A convincingly kind smile spread across his visage.

"No need to apologize. I have been walking the same route as you for a bit now, haven't I? Once I get into my head, everything else just seems to...vanish." A melodic laugh escaped from the male's lips. They may have met under unlikely circumstances but something in the energies around her tugged at his intuition. He would play nice for now.

A hand reached outward. "Aleister Carlyle. I can assure you William is nowhere in my name."

-stops, nods- Ja, right now.-smiles- Do you like trains?-pats her hand- Because we are in for a long train ride.. -chuckles quietly- Don't worry. We'll stop for liquor and a deck of cards. -drags her towards the station, the small shops near- And food.

-gives a reserved smile- I think she would love to visit with you.-runs a hand over his head- It isn't that I dislike Jacob.. I just worry for her. Maybe too much.-wonders if Dessa has spoken to Livia lately- Do you know much about him.. Jacob.. his past?-furrows his brow- How about now? Come to Irkutsk. We can stop on the way for necessities.

-clears his throat--still a bit speechless--flustered too--takes another sip of his coffee- Well, it would not only be us. The rest of my men and I think Livia and her.. spouse.. will be there.-regards- But we will have time to get to know one another better.. my men do not always need me.-smiles-

-starts to explain the camp but finds himself speechless--looks to the ground and chuckles- Ja, I will be there.-thinks Dessa sounds quite like Livia when it comes to forests- And maybe there are times that I am not a gentleman. -presses a kiss to the side of her head- So that is a yes?

-chuckles- I am almost positive you can take care of yourself.-sips his coffee- But it might help alleviate stress if you come to the camp. Boreal forest, no prying eyes, no one to follow you. -side eye glance- I am a gentleman Dessa.. usually.

-gives Dessa a stern look- I am.. I value our friendship and I protect those I care for. -gazes at the sidewalk- I do not think whoever is following you would be able to find the camp. It is a very rural location. -chuckles- I'm not sure rugged would be a just description.. more likely a tard in tinfoil. -gives her a wink-

-a thick brow raises- Followed?-offers his arm- Maybe what you require is a change of scenery.. have you been to Russia, Dessa?-gives a pointed look, begins to walk- Maybe it is time you visited Irkutsk.

-hears 'on edge', takes back the coffee--hint of a smile toys at stoic mien--holds it high above her- Maybe coffee is not what you need then Madchen..I am well, thank you. -contemplates, returns the coffee to Dessa- What is troubling you?

-chuckles- Ja.. we are a dying breed though.-extends his free arm- Lead the way, Madchen. I do not believe I've had the pleasure of Ristretto.-these girls and their coffee- Then again, I do not profess to be a connoisseur of coffee. I am used to instant coffee while in Irkutsk.

-kisses her forehead- You're the best, Madchen. -thinks- Was there anything you needed? -looks at his inventory- I have Bass, wool, bamboo.. -might have started playing Farmville out of sheer boredom while in Mexico-

[recoils slightly.] H-he understands what we s-say?[might feel awful that she's hurt Nik's feelings.] I-I wasn't t-trying to hurt his feelings.[frowns and extends a finger towards the viper.] He's ..you're very pretty Nik.[scratches his head with a finger.] I've never seen a snake before.

[looks back and studies closely.] Nik ..is your pet? [forehead creases.] He looks poisonous. [climbs off Dessa.] He won't bite me? [might be a touch relieved that Nik didn't follow her home.] So I can play with him?[is frightened that something of this sort might follow her home one evening.]

It was all too much. Really. First the snake crawling across the floor then the snake slithering all over Dessa. Livia could only imagine the slimy feeling as it entwined around the female. But she would refrain from shooting it, mainly because she had left her guns at home in the 'struggle' but most importantly, she didn't want to hurt her friend.

"HOW?" It skeeved her out. More than skeeved her out. It made Livia's skin crawl and she suddenly wished for Styx. Dessa, however, seemed to enjoy the presence of the snake. How? How could anyone possibly subject themselves to the torture of having a large reptile crawl...slither over their person. "How can you say it's 'beautiful'?! It's cold and slimy and and..."

Just a whole bunch of nope is what it was. Livia visibly shuddered at the sight before turning her eyes away. No way in Hell would she be laying a finger on that. Speaking of which...

"I might have knocked a table over...and a vase...then dragged myself through broken glass trying to escape that..." Her voice hitched as she pointed an accusatory finger. "...that monster! It was trying to kill me!"

Ok...slight exaggeration. Her husband was trying to kill her by leaving a very large snake in a box for her.

[small smile.] I'm glad there are people like you that care so much for animals. They're wonderful, aren't they? I wasn't allowed pets in the asy- [maybe because she studied a few as a child.] I wasn't allowed to keep pets when I was under doctor's care.[blushes.] I'm good, just tired. The animals keep me busy. But I'll probably stop by tomorrow if you don't mind?

[chemicals?][might be slightly afraid for the monkeys.] Are you a doctor? You aren't going to hurt them right?[excitable.] Ooh! Are you a veterinarian?! Is that why you keep all the animals?![doesn't know where Dresden is, pains her to hear his name.] I think Dresden had to work. I guess they're very busy at the moment.[looks back to her room.] I should probably let you work Mistress Dessa ..I think I'm going to turn in for the night.

[forehead creases.] No. [pats body.] And no. [stares curiously at Mistress Dessa.] Why are the monkeys in the closet?[stands and smoothes her clothes.] Are they still sick?[frowns.] I'm sorry I brought home diseased monkeys, Mistress Dessa.

[needs clean linens.][unknowingly flings open monkey closet.][stares at the gang of monkeys that stare back.] I don't think I need any sheets now ..sorry diseased monkeys.[is unable to close the door before the gang leaps to their escape.][screams as she is used as a trampoline.]

Screaming and bloodied, Livia ran around the corner and almost impaled Dessa with her broomstick. The young woman trembling with fear simply pointed at the end of the broom, the duffle bag held there with large snake peeking from it.

"Snake...snake..." Pale eyes wide, it was all she could muster. Well that and... "My husband hates me."

[Reluctantly Dresden nods.] Alright, I suppose it could be worse, we could have a rabid, plague-ridden tiger loose on the grounds... I still need to burn these clothes though so I'll leave the monkies to you. [With an apprehensive glance to the closet he nods again and hurries off to burn the outfit Dita had been wearing, glad that he'd bought her so many clothes.]

[Blinks and stares at his leader, amazed that she'd want to try to salvage animals that could wipe out cities potentially but on the same note he isn't quite as surprised as he probably should have been. If it weren't for Dita being human he'd absolutely have considered weaponizing the monkies, the chaos they could cause would be quite fun to watch.]

I can't say I'm all to fond of that idea, ending them would be much safer but if you can salvage them I bow to your wisdom. If they become a threat though, I will kill them.

[Nods as she opens the door, glad to see she was at least aware of the issue in part.] Alright, in the basement, I was sure that there would be one somewhere. Honestly, I think we should just toss the monkies in there too. We could just tell Dita that we sent them to a camp or something, she'll find a new animal to distract herself soon I'm sure...

[nods.] I'll let him know. [tilts head ..curious] What are you going to feed them Mistress Dessa? [eyes light up.] And I've named them after the 7 dwarfs. Typhoid, Rabies, Ebola and Yersinia pestis just seemed too ..weird. Besides, there's 7 of them not 4. Silly people. [giggles before she wanders off.]

No, they weren't around the others. I was afraid maybe since they were so small the bigger animals would accidentally step on them ..so I kept them in the front parlour. [smiles.] I don't think anyone was bit. Mister Stills had one attached to his face last I saw though. [poker face.] I think he's okay.

Yes. They seemed very busy and didn't seem to notice. [watches as the monkeys calm with Dessa.] The monkeys had strange names though, Rabies, Ebola, Typhoid, Yersinia pestis. Are you sure? I don't want them to hurt you. [small smile.] You'll call me if they act up? Or if you need help?

[becomes very quiet as she's questioned on the monkeys' origins.] I found them. In a large building. With no windows. [something that looked like a research facility ..maybe.] There were people there with white coats. Doctors?

I DON'T KNOW! [cries as she attempts to pull one from her hair] They were fine and then I picked one up and and [huffs then gives up.] ..then they all started acting wild! Screeching and pulling my hair and clawing at my skirt until I was over run by monkeys. [sniffles as if she's going to cry.] They haaaaate meeee. [whines.]

[spins further down the hall, a squirrel monkey tornado.] Mistress Dessa! [screams and pulls a monkey from her hair, only to see it leap onto her back.] They're revolting! [turns to the left then right as she barrels through Dessa's bedroom door.] Mistress Dessa!!

[nods.] You're absolutely correct. I'll let him wander the yard.[smiles.] Speaking of which, I'll go check the yard for any poisonous plants first.[tilts head.] I would hate to see something happen to him.

I will! I promise! [baby talks giant ass panda ..Friedrich.][might need to find a place to keep all these animals.] Do you think they like to go for walks?[sizes Friedrich up.] I think I could find a harness to fit him.

[nods disregarding Wizard speak ..focused on Friedrich.] He's so cute![takes a piece of candy from her pocket and holds it in front of giant ass panda.] Come Friedrich and meet your new friends![eyes widen.] I mean, come meet Ge..Francis! [might have a few animals in her gigantic bathroom.] I love him Mistress Dessa! Thank you! I'll take wonderful care of him, promise!

[is deeply confused.] Wizard?[becomes distracted by the thought of a name.][stares at giant ass panda.] I'm not sure Mistress Dessa. He looks like a ..Friedrich. Is that okay?[might be awful at naming pandas.]

Dita watches from her window, in mute fascination, the woman that has given she and Dresden a home. There is something different about Dessa but she is unsure what. All Dita knows is that Dessa in captivatingly beautiful this evening. The woman radiates strength, there is a glow to her skin, an extra brilliance to her hair. The young woman offers a smile, one of innocence, and a wave to the woman before retiring to bed. She is forbidden by the rules to leave her room in the evening when Dresden is away or asleep.

Husband? It's been years.
I'm a wilderness survivor now. Like Bear Grylls, minus the pee drinking.
-blinks, looks around- I've been here since the first of December in 2016, around 10 in the morning...
So, what is it now? 2020?

Just off the flight, Sarah's blood splotched hair tied to the side. So eighties. She blurs over and waves. "You do look pretty in gold. I have to find my wifey to torture. Maybe later we could.. Ah. Well. I'll see you around."

She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. Not only because of the situation that had unfolded but from Dessa's nonchalant responses to Jacob's questions. Good ol' Dessa watching Liv's six. Hearing that her male departed, Livia peeked from the robes before craning her head upwards. "He's so sweet." Another burst of laughter escaped her. "I'm so awful." Crawling out from Dessa's robes, Livia stood and gave the woman a quick peck to the cheek. "Thank you for covering. I should probably be on my way...maybe I'll pick up a deer or some fvcked up animal for him to make a stew with." She makes THE face. Being a vegetarian around a survivalist was hard living. "He's lived off the grid faaaaaaaar too long I think." With that, the young woman wiggled her fingers at Dessa and ran. Cue 'She's like the Wind'.

Was about to give up on the woman as a potential lead and hurry along when what she'd actually said sunk in and processed. "You don't know Livia Vlcek...I'd thought everyone knew her." He gives the woman another sidelong glance, sniffing the air deeply only to get another strong scent of death...not rot, but actual death. Something didn't seem quite right about this, "Well, If you see her, tell her that her husband is looking for her and isn't happy. Also tell her that the longer she runs, the less happy he will be." He spoke loud enough that if Liv was hiding around here she would surely hear him, and with that he set off on his hunt again...

Jacob, following Livs scent, came barreling through stopping short when the scent he'd been following suddenly was cut off by the smell of death. Seeing another woman standing there on voluminous golden robes on, the source of the new smell, he asked in a rush, "Where did she go! Livia, I know she came by here. Did you see her? Scars, hair down to here, there is no mistaking her." As he described Liv he gestured with his hands to describe her appearance.

There might have been fear in her eyes but it was difficult to tell since she was laughing hysterically. How does one explain tormenting one's husband with a squeaky toy as a joke only to see it unfold into a comedic act? Livia ducked into Dessa's robes quickly while trying to hush her laughter. Between gasps and laughs, "Squeaky toy...Tossed it...caught it in his mouth." She was howling now, her hand raising to quiet the laughter that pierced the night as soon as she heard footsteps near. "Shhhh..."

She's running for her life when she spots Dessa just ahead. Knowing Dessa would help, Livia nearly plows over the woman as she skids to a stop...laughing. "Dessa...hide me...under your robes or in a closet!" Imagine that...Liv wanted under Dessa's robes or to be in a closet. How...fitting.

Camille approaches, fingers fast grazing over the golden lapels of Dessas new robes. They were familiar: reminiscent of a memory that had long passed and almost been forgotten. An ivory thumb passes along the velvety material, a slow grin forming over Cams pale lips.

"These are very familiar. Remember when last you wore them? A different time, entirely. But look at all that has become since then." She allows her arm to drop, though her small smile does not fade, "Congrats. I trust you will rule with a strong arm."

Before she skips off, she turns to add with a chuckle;
"But not too strong!"

[Chuckles softly.] Yes, that is probably better. We were renting a Hotel before and I'm not sure they allowed pets there, one cat was easy enough to hide, more then that would have started getting...troublesome.

[Dresden walks up to his new leader only to bow formally a few steps away.] I appreciate your invite, especially Ditas. She's fallen quite in love with that cat of yours, Geist I believe she called it, I'm a bit jealous to be honest. Either way, I hope I can help out while we are here, I think she'll just end up commandeering your pets.

*swoons at Dessa's selfie from bed**giggles at how cute the wee hyena looks**texts back* :: I hope you like him...he was too cute to pass up. ::*plots another creeper session to leave more things at Dessa's home*

*climbs quietly through Dessa's window**sneaks through the house**leaves a pear on the woman's nightstand...notices her blankies are disheveled**tucks her in tight**turns and places a small crate on the floor**pulls a smaller blankie over the sleeping baby hyena**sneaks back out of the house*

He watches the young woman, his newest friend, curiously. Hands locked behind his back, he remains silent as she studies him, his own blue irides studying her. Snapping figures draws his attention back to her delicate face and he offers a rare smile.

"Jaaa.. " He nods with a chuckle. "My hair, you are very attentive." He gives her a wink. "How have you been Fraulein? You look.. very good."

Work! Hah! Mackenzie work? That's laughable. Well, not really. She had worked her ass off before she enslaved Dessa long before. Standing upright, she jerks her chin with that classic defiance and smiles, "Glad to be with you again, Dessa."

In Mackenzie's language, that is the equivalent of 'I have missed you.'

"Here we are..." Mackenzie smirks, giving her friend and former Confidante a grin. "The roles are reversed, master." The last word drips off her tongue with great humor, as she gives Dessa a curtsy and glances up a those clever, playful gaze.

At first, she grins proudly...until something begins to coat her. Sparkle...confetti... And then, after quite the statement, she yells after Dessa with the most ridiculously comical scowl on her face, brow scrunched and eyes squinting slightly in annoyance.
"I'll get you, Dessa Chambers! You just wait!"

There are no secrets when it comes to Mackenzie's love for two things: mischief and Saint Patrick's Day. The two go hand in hand, as they always would on such a joyous holiday formed around binge drinking and leprechauns. But her 'gift' for Dessa this year would be one that would definitely grant her both cheer and ire, as she found the girl's dwelling and stole her clothes away - dying them as green as the Emerald Isle itself before returning them just as she found them. Smiling, she creeps away, and carries on with her happy antics.

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the Realm
Not a creature was stirring, not even a platypire;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes the Santas Van Helsing and DemonKnight soon would be there;
The Witches, Vampires, Wolves, Angels and slayers were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of city searches, dungeon breaks and general mischief danced in their heads;

"On behalf of Shadows & Light, our leader Fleta and myself, I wish you a bewitching holiday and a happy new year."

Upon waking Maeve had checked her mail with a cup of Sam, because that's what the blood donor had been named, in her hand. Sorting through the usual spam about penile or breast enhancements, she finally got down to the business of the coven.

Upon awakening, Maeve knew right away that someone new had entered the coven halls. In a blur of motion she went through her usual wake-up rituals, before settling down in front of the laptop with a steaming cup of Joe in her hands. Making a few inquiries of the membership rooter, her senses was confirmed.

"Welcome to Sine Metu. I am Maeve Boru. Please feel free to search me out, should you need any help."

With a satisfied nod, Maeve hit send, hoping she didn't come off as something totally incomprehensible. Mornings had never been her strong side.